Baofeng UV-21R vs Yaesu FT-65R

The Baofeng UV-21R is the clear winner for most users.

The single most important differentiator is price. Both radios share identical feature sets: no DMR, APRS, or GPS on either model, matching IP54 weather resistance, and both support CHIRP programming. Transmit power differs by just 1 watt (6W vs 5W). The Yaesu is 85 grams lighter, which matters only for extended portable use. Owners report both radios favorably, with the Yaesu slightly ahead at 4.6 versus 4.5 stars, but that margin is negligible across very different review sample sizes.

The UV-21R costs 86 dollars less while delivering marginally better transmit power. The Yaesu's weight advantage and fractionally higher owner rating do not justify spending seven times as much for a radio that is otherwise equivalent in capability.

Buy the UV-21R if you want solid performance at an unbeatable price point and accept standard weight for the category. Buy the Yaesu only if portability is your primary concern and you have the budget for it.

The UV-21R is the sensible choice for nearly all handheld radio users.